Package



C. V. BROWN Nov. 2& 1939.

PACKAGE 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 2s, 1951 C. V. BROWN Nov. 28, 1939.

PACKAGE Filed Aug. 25, 1957 2 sheets-sheet 2 Pate-ifea Nev. 2s. 1939 UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE This invention relates to containers or packages and relates more particularly to' a package for containing cigarettes and like articles. A general object of the invention is to provide a package of the character referred to that 'is particularly easy and convenient to open.

Cigarettes are commonly marketed in folded and sealed paper packages enclosed lintransparent envelopes or outer wrappers. 'I'hese outer Wrappers are usually formed of cellophane or similar material that is very tough and diflicult to tear. The presence of the outer tough transparent wrapper often makes it extremely diiiicult to open such a package.

Another object of this invention is to provide a package for cigarettes or the like embodying an outer transparent envelope or wrapper enclosing the usual package proper, and means whereby the outer wrapper and the package may both be easily and quickly opened to make the contents accessible.

' Another object of this invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned that is constructed so that an end portion of the package may be readily folded "open or torn completely free without the necessity of individually tearing the outer transparent wrapper and then the inner -wrapper or package proper. Another object of this invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned in which a slight pull on a string or ribbon cuts or severs the outer transparent wrapper along a definite line and pulls free or folds back an end part of the inner wrapper to make an opening in the package through which the contents are readily accessible.

Another object of this invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned embodying novel and very simple means for assuring the cutting or tearing of the outer transparent wrapper along the desired line, whereby the outer wrapper does not have any jagged irregular edges or projections and may be left on the package after it is opened.

Another object of this invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned that retains its original form and shape after it is opened and that is suitable for containing or carrying the contents until fully used or exhausted. ,M

Another object of this invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned that is fully sealed and air tight to protect and preserve its contents.

A further objectof the invention is to provide a package of the character mentioned that is simple and inexpensive and that may be regular Y in shape and devoid of undesirable projections and irregularities.

The various objects and features of my inventi'on will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a package of the character provided by the invention. Fig. 2 is an venlarged top or plan view of the package illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the package shown in Fig. 1 before the application of the outer wrapper and showing the upper iiaps of the inner wrapper partially folded. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5-

is a side view of the package after the inner wrapper has been folded and sealed in place. Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the complete package after it has been opened. Fig. 7 is aplan view of the pulling plate. Fig. 8 is a layout view of the inner wrapper. Fig, 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 9-9 on Fig. 2. Fig. l0 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line IIl-III on Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a top view of another form of the invention, and Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation of the package illustrated in Fig. 11.

Thegpresent invention may be embodied in cartons or packages of various sizes and shapes and for containing various articles or products. In the following detailed description I will describe the invention embodied in packages for containing cigarettes, it being understood that this invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific forms about to be described.

The improved package of my invention illustrated in Figs, 1 to 10, inclusive, ofthe drawings, includes, generally, a package body or an inner wrapper I0 weakened to readily tear along a line Il, an outer transparent Wrapper I2 secured to the inner wrapper Ill along said line II, a substantially rigid tab or plate I3 secured to the portion of the innerwrapper I0 defined by said line Il, and a exible thread or ribbon I4 secured to said plate I3 and adapted to be pulled l to cut or tear through the inner and outer wrappers I0 and I2 along said line I I.

In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the inner wrapper Ill may be formed of any suitable materialyand may be Ifolded together or constructed in any convenient manner to have the required size and shape and to constitute the body of the package. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated the in- 5 ner wrapper Il) is formed from a substantially rectangular blank illustrated in Fig. 8. The blank of which the inner wrapper I0 is formed may consist of a sheet of paper having a sheet of metal foil on its outer surface. 'I'he foil covered paper blank when folded in the proper manner constitutes a hollow case or box-like structure, as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, and Figs. 9 and 10. The blank of the inner wrapper I0 is folded along the dotted or broken lines of Fig. 8

to have a front I6, a back I1, two sides I8 and a top and a bottom. The inner wrapper I0 may overlap at I9 and its overlapping portions may be secured together by adhesive or the like. The top and the bottom of the inner wrapper I2 each include flaps 20 which are extensions of the front I 6 and the back I'I and which are folded along the lines 2| to overlap. The top and bottom of the inner wrapper IU further include flaps 22 which are extensions of the ends I8 and which 25 are folded inwardly along the lines 2| to underlie the aps 2U. In accordance with the invention the blank of which the inner wrapper I0 is formed is shaped so that one end flap 22 of the package top is shorter than the other ilap 22 of the top to have only a small portion or edge portion overlapped by the flaps 20. A notch 23 is provided in one longitudinal edge of the blank of which the inner wrapper I Il is formed. The notch 23 makes one flap 22 considerably shorter than the opposite flap 22 so that the front and back flaps 20 overlap only an edge part of the said flap 22.

'I'he inner wrapper I0 may further include a label 24 of paper or the like extending about and 40 covering its front I6, its back I'I, its sides I8 and its bottom. The label 24 may carry the desired printed matter and may substantially entirely cover the front, back, sides and bottom of the inner wrapper I0. Where the package contains cigarettes or other tobacco products the required revenue stamp 25 may extend across the top of the inner wrapper I0 between the front I6 and the back I'I and may be secured in place by adhesive.

'I'he inner wrapper Ill is weakened along the line II so that one end portion of the top of the wrapper III may be easily torn free or cut loose by the ribbon I4. In the preferred construction the line is a line of perforations of such character that the material of the wrapper I0 is easily parted or torn along the line. 'I'he line II as formed in the blank of which the inner wrapper I Il is constructed is substantially U-shaped as best illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings. The

inner connecting portion of the U-shaped line II is parallel with or coincident with the fold 2| and extends along the inner edge of the short flap 22 described above, and the adjacent portions of the folds 2| sothat it continues some distance along the fold 2| to the juncture of the front I6 and back I'I with the package top. The side parts or spaced portions of the line I I extend outwardly through the adjacent front and back flaps 20 to their outer edges. With the line I I formed and located as just described it extends along the upper corner of the wrapper I0 where its top joins one end I8 and where the front I6 and back I1 join the top at the folds 2| and the line continues transversely across the top of the package between the front I6 and back-nf It is to be noted that the line thus denes a substantially rectangular portion of the top of the wrapper Ill adjacent one end of the top. Further, it is to be noted that the portion of the line II extending transversely across the top 5 of the package is clear of or spaced inwardly from the inner edge of the short flap 22 described above, which edge is designated at 26 in Fig. 2. The portion of the line II of perforations which extends transversely across the top of the inner 10 wrapper III is preferably, though not necessarily, clear of the revenue stamp 25.

'I'he outer wrapper I2 encloses the inner wrapper I Il and is provided as an additional seal or outer seal to make the package air tight. The 15 outer wrapper I2 is formed of a sheet or blank of cellophane or other transparent material and the blank is folded and arranged to closely conform to the inner wrapper I0. In the particular arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1 to 10 20 of the drawings the outer wrapper I2 has lapped folds at the bottom of the package and has lapped portions 28 at one end of the package which may be secured together by adhesive or the like. 25

It is a feature of the invention that the outer transparent wrapper I2 is secured to the inner wrapper ID along the line II of perforations. It is preferred to secure the outer wrapper I2 to the inner wrapper I 0 along the line II by ad- 30 hesive 29. Fig. l of the drawings best illustrates the adhesive 29 securing the outer wrapper I2 to the inner wrapperv I0. There is preferably a bank or strip of adhesive 29 of substantial width following the line II of perforations to secure 35 'the outer wrapper I2 to the inner wrapper I0 at both sides of the line II throughout its entire length. If desired, the entire portion of the inner wrapper I Il enclosed by the line II may be sesured to the outer wrapper I2 by adhesive. 40 In the drawings I have shown a central area 30 of adhesive securing the portion of the inner wrapper I0 enclosed by the line II to the outer wrapper I2.

The tab or plate I3 is secured to the inner 45 surface of the portion of the inner wrapper I0 defined or outlined by the line II and is provided to assure the outward folding or the bodily removal of said portion of the inner wrapper I0 with the attached part of the outer wrapper I2 50 when the ribbon I4 is pulled. The plate I3 may be formed of cardboard, flberboard or similar material and is a flat rectangular sheet. The pulling plate I3 is arranged within the inner Wrapper I0 at the under sides of the above de- 5 scribed short flap 22 and adjacent portions of the flaps 20. It is preferred to secure the plate I3 to the inner surfaces of these flaps. The upper surface of the plate I3 is preferably secured to the under surface of the short flap 22 00 and the adjacent portions of the flaps 20 by adhesive 3|. Fig. 7 illustrates the adhesive 3| on the upper surface of the plate I3 it being understood that the adhesive 3| may be provided on the under surfaces of the short flap 22 and the 65 a'djacent portions of the flaps 20 to secure them to the plate I3. 'I'he plate I3 is arranged and is proportioned so that its edges coincide with or are slightly inward of the rectangular line II of perforations. It will be apparent how the 70 plate I3 secured to the overlapped short ap 22 and aps 20 lends rigidity to the portion of the inner wrapper I0 dened by the line II.

'Ihe ribbon I4 is a flexible member secured to the plate I3 and arranged in such a manner 75 that a jerk or pull applied to it severs or cuts the wrappers Il) and I2 along the line II. In practice the ribbon I4,may be a thread, a fine wire, a cord, a strip of fabric or ribbon. Accordingly, where I herein employ the term-ribbon it is to be construed as any iiexible element suitable for the purpose. One end or one end portion of the ribbon I4 is secured to the plate I3. The ribbon I4 may be secured to the plate I3 in any suitable manner. In the form of the invention illustrated the ribbon I4 is trained or threaded through spaced openings 32 in the plate I3 and the adhesive 3I may assist in fixing the ribbon I4 to the plate. The ribbon I4y extends from va corner of the plate I3 at the juncture of one side portion of line II with the transverse portion of the line extending across the top of the package. The ribbon I4 is trained from said corner of the plate I3 to pass transversely under the lapped portions of the flaps and in line with or in the same plane as the transverse portion of the line II. The ribbon I4 then extends through openings 34 in the inner and outer wrappers Ill and I2 to have a portion project from the package for engagement for the purpose of opening the package. Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawings best illustrate the manner in which the ribbon I4 istrained transversely of the package top and under the trans- 0 verse portion of the line II. If desired or believed necessary the protruding portion of the ribbon I4 may be removably secured against the surface of the outer wrapper I2 by wax or the like. rt is believed that it win be apparent new the improved package illustrated in' Figs. 1 to 10,

inclusive, of the drawings may be easily and quickly opened. To open the package the protruding portion of ribbon I4 is grasped and 40 pulled upwardly with respect to the top of the \package. This causes the ribbon I4 to cut through or sever the inner and outer wrappers III and I2 along the transverse portion of the line II. The inner wrapper I0 being weakened along the line II readily parts or tears. The outer transparent Wrapping I2 is tightly secured to the inner wrapper Ill by the adhesive 29 and I have found that this assures the cuttingv or tearing of lthe outer wrapper in the desired manner when the ribbon is pulled. I The pull on the ribbon I4 or a subsequent pull thereon tends to lift the plate I3 and the upward movement of the lplate or the swinging of the plate causes the inner wrapper I0 and the outer wrapper I2 to be severed or cut along the portions of the line II at the folds 2I. The plate I3 is substantially rigid and the pull applied to it by the ribbon I4 causes the plate to pull the attached portions of the-inner and outer wrappers IIl and II upwardly. If desired the plate I3 and the attached portions of the inner and outer wrappers I0 and I2 may be pulled entirely free of the package leaving a substantialopening in the top of the package adjacent one end 55 I8. The plate I3 and the attachedportions of the inner and outer wrappers I0 and I2 may be left on the package to act as a cover or closure in which case the portions of the wrappers I0 and II at the corner line of juncture between the adjacent end I8 and the top of the package forms a hinge. Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates the plate I3 and the attached portions of the inner and outer wrappers -III and I2 in an open position and remaining on the package to form a suitable closure. The package may be easily and quickly opened by merely pulling on the ribbon I4 and this operation effects the cutting or severing of the inner Wrapper I0 and the outer wrapper I2 along the line II. The tough outer wrapper I2 is rigidly secured to 5' the inner wrapper I0 'along the line II so that it is cut or severed by the ribbon I4 with a minimum of eiort and when it is cut or severed it .doesfjnot present jagged edges or projecting portions. l0'

Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings illustrate a form of the invention in which a pull or strain on the ribbon I4 rst effects a cutting or severing 'of the outer wrapper I2 along three edge portions of the package, then severs the inner 15 and outer wrappers along the portion of the line II which extends traversely across the top of the package and then-effects an outwardl bending or removal of the plate I3 and the ilap portions of the inner and outer wrappers se- 20' cured thereto. The various parts-ofthe general package structure may be the same as in the previously described form of the invention. The ribbon I4 is attached to the plate I3 as described above, and extends under the inner wrapper I0 2,5 below and in the same plane as the transverse portion of the/line II of perforations and passes through an opening 34a in the inner wrapper Ill. From the opening 34a. the ribbon I4 is trained along the front, end and rear portion 30 of the line II under the outer wrapper i2. The ribbon I4 is then passed outwardly through an opening 40 in the outer wrapper to have a protruding portion engageable by the user of the package. 35

When it is desired to open the package illustrated in Figs. 1l and 12 of the drawings a lateral or substantially horizontal pull is applied to the protruding portion of the ribbon I4 so that the ribbon tears or cuts through the outer 40 wrapper I2 along three edges of th'e portion of the package dened by the line II. An upward jerk or pull is`then applied to the ribbon I4. 'I'his causes the ribbon I4 to cut through and sever the inner and outer wrappers I0 and 45 I2 along the transverse portion of `the line II and may cause the plate I3 to be folded up andv out or to be torn entirely free, taking with it the attached flap portions of the inner and outer wrappings secured thereto. In the struc- 50 ture illustrated in Figs. l1 and 12 of the drawings the initial pull on the ribbon I4 severs or cuts through the outer wrapping I2 along three edges of the part of the package that is to be torn free so that the same may be more easily 55 torn free to give access to the interior of the package. The outer wrapper I2 is secured to the inner wrapper I0 along the line II, as described above, so .that the pulling of the ribbon I4 readily eiects the desired cutting or sever- 60 ing oi the outer wrapper.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details `herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself 55 any variations or modifications that may appear toY those skilled in the art or fall within the scopel of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A package including an inner .wrapping of 70 sheet material'folded to form a package, an outer wrapping enclosing the inner wrapping and secured thereto along a selected line, and a flexible element trained along said line at the inner. side of the inner wrapping and having 'a por- 75 tion protruding from the outer Wrapping adapted to be grasped by the user whereby the said element may be pulled to sever both mappings along said line.

2. A package including an inner wrapping folded to form a package, the inner wrapping being weakened along a. given line, an outerwrapping enclosing the inner wrapping and adhesively secured to the inner wrapping along said line, the outer wrapping having an open ing and being imperforate except for said opening, and a exible element secured to the inner wrapping, trained at the interior of the inner wrapping along a portion of said line and having a portion protruding through the opening in the outer wrapping adapted to be grasped by the user whereby the said element may be pulled to sever both wrappings along said line.

3. A package including an inner Wrapping folded to form a package, the inner wrapping being weakened along a line which dei'lnes a portion of the inner wrapping, a. substantially rigid member secured to said portion, a transparent outer wrapping enclosing the inner wrapping and having an opening, the outer wrapping being imperforate except for said opening, means securing the inner wrapping to the outer wrapping along said line, and a flexible element secured to said member and extending through said opening to have an exposed portion adapted to be pulled to cause the exible element to sever both the inner and outer Wiappings along said line.

4. A package including a package body weakened along a predetermined line, a transparent envelope enclosing the body and adhesively secured thereto along said line, the body and envelope having registering openings, a substantially rigid member secured to the body to have an edge adjacent said line, and a flexible element secured to the member and passing through said openings to have a portion free at the exterior of the outer wrapping that is adapted to be pulled to cause the said element to sever both wrappings along said line.

5. A package including a package body weakened along a line which forms the boundary of a denite portion of the body, an envelope enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, the envelope having an opening, and a ilexible element secured to said portion of the body trained along at least a part of said line, and passing out through the opening to be pulled to open the package.

6. A package including a package body weakened along a line which forms the boundary of a denite portion of the body, an envelope enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, the body and envelope having openings, a substantially rigid member secured to the inner side of said portion, the edge of the member following said line, and a ribbon secured to said member, trained along at least a portion of said line at the inner side of the body, and extending out through said openings to be pulled to open the package.

7. A package including a package body weakened along a line which forms the boundary of a deiinite portion of the body, an envelope enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, the body and envelope having openings, a substantially rigid member secured to the inner side of said portion, and a ribbon secured to said member, trained along at least a portion of said line at the inner side of the body, extending out through the opening in the body, trained along at least a portion of said line at the exterior of the body and the interior of the envelope, and extending out through the opening in the envelope to be pulled to open the package.

8. A package including a package body weakened along a line which forms the boundary of a definite portion of the body, an envelope enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, the body and envelope having openings, a substantially rigid member secured to the inner side of said portion, and a ribbon secured to said member, trained along at least a portion of said line at the inner side of the body extending out through the opening in the body, trained along the entire length of said line at the exterior of the body and the inner side of the envelope, and extending out through the opening in the envelope to be pulled to open the package.

9. A package including a package body having a line of perforations dening a portion at one end of the body, an envelope of transparent material enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, a rigid plate secured to the inner side of said portion, the body and envelope having openings, and a ribbon secured to said plate, trained along at least a portion of said line at the interior of the body and passing out through said openings to be pulled to open the package.

10. A package including a package body having a line of perforations dening a portion at one end of the body, an envelope of transparent material enclosing the body, adhesive securing the envelope to the body along said line, adhesive securing a part of the envelope to said portion, a rigid plate secured to the inner side of said portion, the body and envelope having openings, and a ribbon secured to said plate, trained along at least a portion of said line at the interior of the body and passing out through said openings to be pulled to open the package.

CAL V. BROWN. 

